Mike Brown Demotes Rick Brunson To Exert More Control, Search Underway

Brunson, 53, is no rookie in NBA coaching circles. He’s been on five NBA benches for more than a decade. But last season, he found himself at the center of an uncomfortable spotlight.

The tension came to a head early when Donte DiVincenzo barked at Brunson during a preseason clash. DiVincenzo, who knows the Brunsons well, later smoothed things over. But the damage lingered.

The NBA soon dug deeper. The league opened a probe into whether Brunson’s promotion helped secure Jalen’s below-market extension. The Knicks bristled at the suggestion. Jalen went public to protect his father.

Still, whispers about influence and control never left the Garden. It’s clear why the Mike Brown and Rick Brunson situation demands clarity.

The Search for Stability

Brown wants to choose his own top assistant. James Borrego was his first target, but Borrego remains under contract in New Orleans. Whether the Pelicans release him is unclear.

So the Knicks continue to look for a voice who can run the bench next to Brown. Bondy of the confirmed that coaches Darren Erman, Mo Cheeks, and Mark Bryant will return under Brown. But Rick Brunson’s seat will move back.

Players React and the Message Shifts

The timing of this shake-up matters. Some Knicks players reportedly bristled at Brunson’s influence. Sam Amico of Hoops Wire claimed players believed Rick “has too big of a say in things.” That noise grew louder once Tom Thibodeau was fired.

By shifting Rick Brunson back, Mike Brown sends a clear signal: fresh leadership, fewer distractions. The front office wants a bench that feels balanced — not tilted by family ties.

Brunson’s demotion doesn’t erase his contributions. He’s respected as a teacher and mentor. But Brown must protect the locker room’s trust. The recalibration shows how far the Knicks will go to erase any hint of conflict.

New Coach, New Order

Control defines every NBA bench. By nudging Rick Brunson down, Mike Brown asserts his own vision. The Knicks now move forward with one voice at the front. The search for Brown’s top assistant continues, but one thing is certain — this bench belongs to the new head coach.

Brunson knows the cost of distractions. Now, he steps back for the sake of his son, the team, and the chase for a banner. This chapter should remind everyone: power and perception always shape life at the Garden.